The European Union has barred all Libyan airlines from operating in the European airspace due to concerns over passenger safety amid fierce clashes in the North African country.
“Recent events in Libya have led to a situation whereby the Civil Aviation Authority is no longer able to fulfill its international obligations with regard to the safety of the Libyan aviation sector,” EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said in a statement on Thursday.
Libya plunged into chaos following the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The ouster of Gaddafi gave rise to a patchwork of heavily-armed militias and deep political divisions.
The country has been witnessing numerous clashes between government forces and rival militia groups that refuse to lay down arms.
“My priority in aviation is passenger safety, which is non-negotiable, and we stand ready to help the Libyan aviation sector as soon as the situation on the ground will allow for this,” Bulc added.
The ban hits seven Libyan companies, including Afriqiyah Airways, Air Libya and Libyan Airlines.
The decision came after a regular review of the EU’s air safety list, which currently covers 21 countries and over 300 airlines.
Under the move, another 10 airlines are permitted to fly to EU destinations but face certain restrictions.
Airlines from Afghanistan, Angola, Benin, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nepal, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principe, Sudan and Zambia are covered in the list.
